My Performance Has No Technique, It’s All About Emotion

The world was indeed cruel; in every walk of life, there were those naturally born to eat from this bowl.

Having listened to the first segment of the gentle-style recording through the broadcast outside the recording booth, a thick sense of defeat welled up in Sano Nana’s heart at this moment.

She had also chosen to deviate from the script and improvise.

Yet, whether in terms of angle or expression, she seemed to lack competitiveness compared to the top student of her batch.

Wearing a satisfied expression with her arms crossed, Rimukudo Makoto seemed to notice the dejection of her rookie.

“Sano, don’t mind it too much. Monsters like her are rare in the industry.”

The young female president looked toward the door of the recording booth; countless famous and nameless characters were given life behind that door.

The voice acting circle was small, so the competition was also brutal.

For voice actors who mostly played female roles, instances of newcomers overtaking seniors were countless, and the speed of updates and iterations was naturally quite rapid.

This was also her original intention in deciding to push for a star-making project, attempting to drive the stagnant waters of the industry in a brand-new direction.

“Yes, I will double my efforts. I don’t seek to surpass anyone, only to have a clear conscience.”

Sano Nana followed her president’s gaze, looking at the sign on the door that read “Recording Booth,” and the fighting spirit named ‘unwillingness to lose’ ignited once again in her eyes.

Since she couldn’t compare with such natural talent in vocal timbre, she would put her effort into conditions that could be improved through hard work, such as acting, emotion, and vocal range expansion.

If this classmate of hers was crowned with titles like ‘Monster’ or ‘Demon King’…

Then she would at least have to obtain an equivalent title like ‘Brave’ or ‘Hero’!

Just as Sano Nana secretly made up her mind to burn herself out with hard work and charge forward.

Inside the recording booth, Kazakami Ritsu had already received instructions from Sound Director Yoshida to adjust her emotions for the next style of recording.

“Not bad. However, can you switch emotions this time and perform from the perspective of a villain?”

Kazakami Ritsu nodded, closed her eyes again, and began searching through the countless works in her mind for scenes and emotions suitable for substituting into such a role.

Before long, the girl opened her eyes, and a cold voice slowly spilled out.

“I didn’t expect that we would eventually reach this ending.”

“You really are a foolish and stubborn fellow, someone I don’t know how to face.”

“You’ve worked hard on this journey. Now, you and those so-called noble ideals of yours shall be buried into the grave by my hands!”

The first half of the performance, carried by a lazy, breathy tone, made Sound Director Yoshida, who was fully immersed in it, involuntarily hold his breath.

The transition from a young girl’s voice to a cooler, more mature female voice was extremely smooth, without any issues arising from the difference in styles.

The feeling the entire performance gave was like a mastermind who had been disguised as a companion all along, finally revealing their identity at the final moment of the journey.

A scene of fratricide between close friends—just thinking about it made one feel exceptionally sorrowful.

Sound Director Yoshida stroked his stubbly chin; it was as if he could see a rising new star before his eyes.

Next was the final trial!

The eyes of the rather old, slightly chunibyo uncle turned sharp as he gripped his headset and issued the command for the final recording.

“Then, please give us one last performance that is impressive and full of tension, something that will etch you firmly into our memories.”

Hearing Sound Director Yoshida’s command, Kazakami Ritsu nodded slightly, revealing a solemn expression different from before.

The scene and emotions chosen for this final recording had been decided the moment she entered this place.

Kazakami Ritsu clenched her fists, releasing the emotions that had been accumulating in her heart for a long time in one breath.

“If I lose you, there are people who will be sad because of it…”

“Since this is a future that no one can believe in, a future that no one can accept, then I will…”

“I will absolutely save you! No matter how many times I have to loop, I will definitely protect you!”

The words, laced with sobbing tones and despair, caused Yoshida Sora to lean his entire body back against his chair.

With such explosive power and emotional resonance, there was no doubt; this piece of unpolished jade required no carving or polishing—it already possessed the potential to be a masterpiece handed down through generations.

Outside the recording booth, the young female president exchanged a look with the blonde girl beside her, her eyes blank.

Sano Nana reached out and scratched her head awkwardly; only a few minutes had passed, and she was already doubting the resolve she had just born.

‘Do I really have a chance to realize this resolve?’

The work of a voice actor was actually quite simple: go to the recording location at the designated time and complete the dubbing work under the guidance of the Sound Director.

Aside from that, the remaining time was basically allocated freely by the voice actor.

The contract also clearly stated that during this period, it didn’t matter if the voice actor went out to play or engaged in some side jobs during their leisure time.

Opposite to these lenient terms were the severe consequences arising from a lack of professional ability or breach of contract for various reasons.

Having spent the entire morning completing the official profile photo shoot and promotional recording work, Kazakami Ritsu walked out.

Just as she stepped out of the company’s main gate, she was kidnapped by a certain blonde girl who seemed born with the talent of being overly familiar.

Yes, it was a kidnapping by a classmate and voice actor who considered them to be best friends unilaterally.

Sitting in a cafe on the street corner, Kazakami Ritsu observed the blonde girl holding the menu beside her with a guilty conscience and caution.

“Sorry for the wait, here are the two lemon teas you ordered.”

The waiter carrying the tray broke the silence, placing two generous portions of drinks on the table.

Kazakami Ritsu couldn’t quite understand why Sano Nana was clinging to her.

But before she could think much, her gaze met the eyes of the blonde girl sitting opposite her.

“Hmm? Is there something on my face?”

Sano Nana reached out and touched her fair cheek, muttering in confusion.

This situation was quite bad; although she wasn’t socially anxious, she definitely had no experience dealing with beautiful girls.

‘Even though I carefully studied all kinds of materials for the sake of falling in love in the future, I never had the opportunity for actual combat.’

Now encountering this strange situation, her mind was left with nothing but wild thoughts.

Noticing Kazakami Ritsu’s dodging eyes, Sano Nana pondered for a moment and finally decided to open the topic herself.

“I finally witnessed your performance today. To be honest, I feel a lot of pressure right now.”

Kazakami Ritsu’s heart stirred upon hearing this; what did she mean by suddenly bringing up this topic now?

“Um… I chose to enter the Japan Narration Institute to study and become a voice actor in order to realize my childhood dream.”

“But now, that dream can be considered realized, yet a new dream has emerged.”

Speaking to this point, Sano Nana paused, then revealed a dazzling smile.

“You can successfully perform any style, and even your vocal timbre is flawless. Ritsu-chan, you are really amazing.”

At this moment, a flush of excitement appeared on Sano Nana’s exquisite, fair cheeks; she looked just like a treasure hunter who had discovered some rare gem.

After trying hard to suppress the surprise of finding treasure, Sano Nana stated her purpose.

“Ritsu-chan, from now on I want to follow you and learn. Let’s work hard together to become the best voice actors!”